Adoption

Almost forgot to mention that the phrase "ancient costume is not hanfu" is sometimes used in certain contexts within the hanfu community's theoretical framework. For instance, when discussing more unconventional ancient garments like official robes with peculiar collars or open necklines. The essence of hanfu, as defined by the hanfu community, lies in its representation of the Han ethnicity, thus their standards for hanfu require widespread adoption over a long period and must be absorbed under conditions conducive to the development of hanfu. These criteria are said to be continuously refined to meet new needs. Under these standards, many ancient garments do not qualify as hanfu, but what should they be called then? Such garments are collectively referred to as "ancient costumes." Ancient costumes = hanfu + ancient costumes, such is the capricious nature of the community's terminology. Chinese historical dramas often feature characters wearing long robes with crossed collars (though there's no factual basis for this). The hanfu community refers to these as "large-sleeved shirts" or "overcoats" (arbitrary terms). Naturally, Qin and Han dynasty historical dramas follow suit, incorporating such elements into their hanfu designs. The TV series "The Emperor: Owner of the Great Han" featured such large-sleeved shirts…